JJones7

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Saturday will be 2 months out.   I've finally lost 30 lbs.  My visit with Dr Torquati went well.   He explained my slow weight loss is due to #1. I'm 64 yrs old and older people tend to lose slower and #2. I don't have that much to lose.  He had a nutricist visit with me.  I am doing what I'm supposed to but having too much protein (115 - 120 grams per day).  He suggested I have between 60 - 70 grams per day.  He also said at my current rate, it will take me 1 year to lose the weight I should lose.   My goal weight should be between 145 and 135.   I have lost some additional weight but it is coming off very slowly. 

I'm feeling great!   I started to exercise (eliptical) on Monday the 20th.   Just 15 mins and today Wednesday I was able to do 30 mins and 1.24 miles.  I am getting a little sick of the protein shakes but I'm sure I can hang in there until the 3 weeks are over.

Surgery day came and went without a hitch.   I arrived at the hospital at 5:45am and was the first person on Dr. Torquati's surgery table at 7:15am.  I went into the pre-opt and never remembered leaving.   The operation took 1 hour and 20 mins.  I woke up in the recovery room, not even sure I'd had the surgery.   I used a Health Journey's CD in preparation for surgery I thought I was listening to the tape.  It took a few minutes to realize surgery was really over.  I felt a little worn out.  The Durham Regional Hospital/Duke WL Program has been wonderful.   Dr. Torquati at first seemed stern but after seeing him a few times he was definitely more personable.

Well, surgery date is arriving quickly.   I'm excited and also concerned.   It's interesting that something I've wanted for so long brings up an mixture of feelings.   I've read every article and several books trying to prepare myself for what lies ahead.   I think I'm as well prepared as I can be.  My vet had recently had surgery and suggested a CD for people who are about to have surgery.   It's great.   Anyone about to have surgery might like it.  www.healthjourneys.com/product_detail.aspx?=33&id=29. 

Anyway, I'm ready and waiting for surgery.

I've been working toward have RNY since April of 2008.   It has been a long frustrating road.   I called Cigna and spoke to a rep who told me Cigna did not require a six month doctor directed diet...wronnng.   After a few months (end of July) Duke called and asked if I had the documentation of a six month doctor directed diet.   Luckly I had been going to my pcp discussing my success on the Atkins diet beginning in June. 

I had all of the tests Duke requested and finally finished my doctor directed diet in November.  I was given an appointment with the Dr. Torquati at Duke for January 15th.   I went to the meeting and then they sent the information package to Cigna.   I was denied by the 19th as I didn't have a 24 month history of a BMI over 40 and a co-morbidty was not mentioned.   My pcp was great and composed a letter and it was faxed to Duke on January 23rd with the needed information.   Duke called and said a peer to peer meeting with Dr. Torquati and Cigna to clarify my situation.  Hopefully, I'll be cleared for surgery.  As of today, there is no date for the peer to peer meeting.